COX-2 and Ep-CAM in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Spizzo G, Gastl G, Wolf D, Gunsilius E, Steurer M, Fong D, Amberger A, Margreiter R, Obrist P
Primary Institution: University of Innsbruck
Hypothesis
What is the correlation between COX-2 and Ep-CAM overexpression in human invasive breast cancer and its impact on survival?
Conclusion
COX-2 overexpression is common in invasive breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis.
Supporting Evidence
- COX-2 overexpression was found in 48.6% of tumor specimens.
- Patients with COX-2 overexpression had significantly shorter disease-free and overall survival.
- COX-2 overexpression correlated with Ep-CAM overexpression.
- Patients without overexpression of COX-2 and Ep-CAM had the best prognosis.
- Multivariate analysis showed nodal status and Ep-CAM overexpression as independent prognostic factors.
Takeaway
This study looked at two proteins, COX-2 and Ep-CAM, in breast cancer to see how they affect survival. They found that having high levels of these proteins can mean a worse outcome for patients.
Methodology
The study analyzed tumor specimens from 212 patients with invasive breast cancer, assessing COX-2 and Ep-CAM overexpression and their prognostic value.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and assessment of tumor markers.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for all variables affecting survival.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 54.2 years, with a range from 29 to 85 years; 52.8% were node-positive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.02 for disease-free survival, P=0.04 for overall survival, P<0.009 for correlation between COX-2 and Ep-CAM.
Confidence Interval
95% CI for relative risks provided in the multivariate analysis.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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